Sermon Central
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Praying The Beatitudes
Contributed by Dr. Larry Petton on Jan 15, 2020 (message contributor)
PRAYING THE BEATITUDES
Blessed are the poor in spirit. Matthew 5:3
Heavenly Father, I want the humility not to be impressed with myself and my accomplishments. Increase in me (John 3:30). More of You, God, none of me. I am overwhelmed with the sense of my spiritual need. I recognize my true spiritual condition of pride and self-sufficiency, and I am broken over my need to cast myself upon Your mercy.
Blessed are those who mourn. Matthew 5:4
God, break my heart with what breaks Your heart. Let me embrace the true grief of the Man of sorrows. I die to unholy grief (self-pity). Let me receive Your comfort in my losses (Isa. 61:2). Wipe away my tears in Your tender mercy.
Blessed are the meek. Matthew 5:5
My Lord Jesus was meek, lowly, and gentle of heart (not to be confused with weakness). He knew He had all the infinite resources of His Father at His command. Lord, rein me in so that I will be gentle in Your strength. I accept all Your dealings with me as good. Replace my self-assertiveness and demanding my rights with Your long-suffering and humility.
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness. Matthew 5:6
I intensely long for more of You with unquenchable thirst. My spirit and my soul will be completely satisfied only in the living water of Your presence. I won’t try to satisfy my soul’s appetite at the world’s table. I’ll taste and see that You are good. I ardently desire You as much as I need food to sustain life (Ps. 36:8-9, 42:1-2, 63:1,5; Isa. 55:1-2).
Blessed are the merciful. Matthew 5:7
Father of mercies, help me open my heart to others. Through me, show them the mercy they need, setting off a chain reaction of grace. I choose to forgive in the measure as I have been forgiven, because Jesus lives in me with His infinite forgiveness.
Blessed are the pure in heart. Matthew 5:8
Wash me with Your holiness, holy God. Burn out the impurities with Your refining fire. I present my hands and my heart for sweet daily cleansing from the pollution and guilt of sin (Ps. 24:3-4). Separate the precious from the things in this world that are worthless, insincere, and unholy (Phil. 1:9).
Blessed are the peacemakers. Matthew 5:9
Prince of peace, I renounce a spirit of jealousy. I am content with who I am before You. I receive Your peace in my heart. I choose to be at peace with everybody in all circumstances. As much as I can, I will make peace where there is discord. As a peacemaker, I will sow in peace and reap a harvest of righteousness (James 3:13-18). I am an ambassador of reconciliation.
Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake. Matthew 5:10
Righteous One, help me to suffer for the right reason, for Your sake, for God-likeness and commitment to You, not for self-pity or petty sensitivity. I will stand strong when opposed for pursuing You, and I will fall deeper into Your arms. I am a citizen of another kingdom, and I bow only to Your rightful claims on my life.
--- Author unknown
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